A double at Cavan Equestrian last weekend ensured that John Floody took home the Allianz Autumn Mini Grand Prix crown and a prize fund of €2,500.

It was a nail biting finish, with Floody and Jonathan Smyth going into the final weekend both on 25 points.

Floody’s 25 points had come on Ballyknock Diamond, but with this mount failing to feature on Saturday, he had to make up the points with Bronson De Reve who had only 14 points going into the final two legs.

Super start

On Saturday, Floody took the win in the 1.35m after jumping clear in a time of 37.69 seconds. Owned by Eileen Duggan, Bronson De Reve, is by Clem McMahon’s former international mount, Hermes De Reve and out of Oktober. The 11-year-old gelding was bred by Eamon McGurik from Co Louth.

Maura Counihan Jnr and Killerisk Minnie put their first points on the board when clear in 39.34 seconds for second. Owned by Counihan, Killerisk Minnie is a 14-year-old mare by Corghano out of the Vasco-sired mare, Vascos Clover.

In third was Tadhg Kearney riding Ballydarton Chipson, clear in 42.27. By Marie Burke’s International stallion Chippison and out of the Diamond Serpent-mare Erika D, the eight-year-old gelding is also campaigned by Kearney on the young rider circuit.

Things didn’t go according to plan for Smyth as he failed to add any points to his tally after finishing seventh with Charlton Clio. This meant that Floody was only one point behind Smyth going into the final round on Sunday.

Unbeatable

Sunday’s Grand Prix featured 31 combinations. Fourth to go in the eight-way jump-off, Floody knew that calculated riding was required on this occasion.

He delivered the only double clear with Bronson De Reve in 39.94 to take the win and in doing so claimed the league title as the added 12 points to his tally to finish on 36 points.

Jonathan Smyth was next to go after Floody with his first mount Ping Ball, but four faults in a time of 40.64 saw him finish second, adding eight points to his tally to finish on 32 for second.

As runner-up, Smyth took home €1,750 for his efforts. Not content with this, Smyth also took third place in the final standings with Charlton Clio and with it a prize fund of €750.

Rebecca McGoldrick delivered a clear with Duco, but four faults at the third last in a time of 44.33 saw her slot into third place. Owned by Ronan Mclaughlin, Duco (Kwpn) is a nine-year-old gelding by Vincenzo out of the Goodtimes-sired mare Utina.